Diljit Dosanjh is currently facing criticism for acting alongside Pakistani actress Hania Aamir in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’. The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) condemned both Diljit and the film’s producers, leading to the decision to release the movie exclusively in international markets. Filmmaker Imtiaz Ali has stepped forward to defend the actor amid the ongoing controversy.Imtiaz Ali Praises Diljit’s PatriotismDuring his conversation with NDTV, Imtiaz said, “I can’t say much on the row, but since I know Diljit, I can say that us mein deshbhakti ka jazbaa poora bhara hua hai. He is a son of the soil. You can see at all his concerts, he shows up with the Indian flag.”Genuine and Authentic PatriotismThe filmmaker highlighted that Diljit is genuine and does not engage in any form of pretense or fakeness. He emphasized that Diljit’s actions are sincere and not influenced by anyone else. At the conclusion of his concerts, Diljit consistently expresses his pride in his Punjabi identity while holding the Indian flag, demonstrating his authentic patriotism.Clarifying Casting DecisionsAddressing the controversy surrounding Hania Aamir’s casting in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’, Imtiaz pointed out that actors are not responsible for casting choices. While he was unsure of the exact details, he affirmed that Diljit possesses “immense love for his country.” He added that those who truly perceive Diljit’s inner truth will understand his genuine patriotism.Diljit Dosanjh’s Response to the ControversyIn a previous interview with BBC Asian Network, Diljit addressed the controversy around Hania Aamir’s casting in ‘Sardaar Ji 3’. He explained that when the film was made and shot in February, the situation was stable and everything was proceeding smoothly. He noted that many factors are beyond their control and revealed that the producers decided to release the film only overseas, as it would not be viable for an Indian release now. Diljit emphasized that a significant investment was made in the film, and at the time of production, there were no such issues.
